TWO TRANSPLANTS BUT LOUIS IS STILL GAME

THE Australian Transplant Games have begun on the Gold Coast with more than 700 competitors who owe their health to transplants.

High school student Louis Hehir, 18, is here from Victoria to compete in darts, bowling and lawn bowls and aims is to take home at least one medal.

“I’ve been competing since 2006 and normally win one or two medals,” Louis said. “I love the games. I get to compete with other recipients on a level playing field. It’s great to get to know their stories and spread the word about organ and tissue donation.”

Louis was born with a partial blockage to his kidneys and had his first kidney transplant when he was five years old, followed by his second at 14.

He will need a third in his early adult life. Whether he needs a fourth depends on stem cell research.

“I’m very grateful my grandma was able to donate my first and my mum was able to donate my second,” he said.

Competitors from five countries are taking part – Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Thailand and the US – and the games continue until October 6.

Go to australiantransplantgames.com for more.